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June 3, 2015

How to protect your teeth?

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA

The teeth inevitably deteriorate with the aging process, but they can be protect until old age if you follow certain rules and tips. In this article we will present several processes that lead to too tooth deterioration and can be regarded as natural as well as ways in which these processes can be eliminated or slowed down.

The remains of sugary foods and cereal products ferment in the mouth, forcing the bacteria that are not harmful by nature to produce acids that are very dangerous when it comes to teeth. This leads to formation of small holes in the teeth which will eventually lead to carries. The most dangerous products are carbonated beverages (especially so-called sports drinks). Besides the general advice to avoid sweet products, reduce the intake of bread and pasta and remove soft drinks and snacks from the menu. If these tips are contrary to your dietary regime, you can start brushing your teeth more frequently. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and visit your dentist once in 6 months.

Contrary to popular belief, the teeth don’t become brittle and less resistant to mechanical damage with the process of aging, but tooth decay happens for many other reasons – the higher number of seals and other disorders and conditions, make teeth less capable of dealing with different types of foods. Most of the problems of this type occur gradually due to improper biting which is one of the most common consequences of insufficient dental care. It is also good to mention that even persons with proper bite often chew their food too aggressively or grind their teeth. This is a problem of psychological nature which is usually caused by stress.

While the teeth themselves, as we have mentioned before, don’t change with aging, the gums are more and more prone to inflammation and other changes. Bacteria induced inflammation leads to damage of the connective tissue, bone and ultimately to the loss of teeth. After the age of thirty, patients are advised to use mouthwash occasionally and there are few other products that can help us preserve the gums. It is especially recommended to increase the intake of foods packed with omega-3 fatty acids because they act against inflammatory processes. Some of these foods are fish, fish oil, different types of seeds etc. If you want to keep your teeth healthy, you need to take care of your gums too.